Prepare for loads of pleasure if you discover Lagos, Portugal. Lagos sits on the Algarve coast and is thought for its well-known seashores, energetic nightlife, and pure magnificence. Surrounded by a golden shoreline crammed with stunning rock formations, there are many sights to see and actions to do making it the proper seashore vacation vacation spot.
High Issues to do in Lagos
Lagos points of interest are various and plentiful. You might hike the Seven Hanging Valleys, go to a museum, or take one of many dolphin-watching boat excursions. There are numerous issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, and this information will cowl the best possible.
1. Ponta da Piedade
For those who’ve seen footage of Lagos, the possibilities are that you simply’ve seen Ponta da Piedade. Ponta da Piedade is a headland of placing rock formations, with caves and grottos solely accessible by water. From land, you may hike to the Ponta da Piedade scenic viewpoint, admiring the distinctive formations and snapping the postcard-perfect shot that has develop into so related to Lagos.
Visiting Ponta da Piedade is well one of many high issues to do in Lagos. You’ll spot sea stacks and arches and catch glimpses of the caves when visiting Ponta da Piedade from the land. The burnt yellow rock makes Ponta da Piedade much more stunning, and the orange look is attribute of Portugal’s Algarve area. Even in case you go to Lagos for just some days, prioritize visiting Ponta da Piedade.
2. Take a ship tour from Lagos Marina
So, you could possibly take a ship tour from Lagos Marina to go to the ocean caves and spectacular rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. Nevertheless, there are many completely different boat journeys that you would be able to take, so enterprise right down to the marina and decide whichever takes your fancy. A ship journey is among the finest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. The ocean breeze, attractive shoreline, and pleasant marine life are a successful mixture and swimsuit each traveler and their itinerary.
The dolphin-watching boat excursions are extraordinarily standard however be sure to select properly. We advocate this tour in case you’ve by no means seen wild dolphins because it retains a secure distance and doesn’t stress the animals.
Different standard day journeys embody sundown catamaran cruises and longer, half-day cruises alongside the Algarve Coast. These longer cruises usually embody breaks for swimming and snorkeling and enterprise to pure points of interest just like the Benagil Cave.
3. Praia de Dona Ana
Praia de Dona Ana is among the most stunning seashores within the Algarve. The seashore is positioned on the Ponta da Piedade headland and is surrounded by limestone formations with golden strata. Simple to succeed in, stuffed with services like showers and bogs, and completely gorgeous to have a look at, visiting Praia Dona Ana Seashore is among the finest issues to do in Lagos.
You’ll be able to attain Praia Dona Ana Seashore in 20 minutes on foot from Lagos city middle after which climb down from the headland by way of a set of lengthy picket steps. The seashore has calm waters and is great for much less assured swimmers and households. Praia Dona Ana Seashore is your best option out of the Lagos seashores for a soothing seashore day. Simply get there early to beat the crowds, because it is among the hottest seashores close to Lagos.
4. Praia da Luz
Fancy exploring additional afield? Praia da Luz is a coastal city simply 10 km west of Lagos, and you’ll simply take a day journey by leaping on the bus for a twenty-minute experience. Praia de Luz has an enormous seashore with watersports, lifeguards, and cafes – but it lacks the touristy environment of Lagos’ seashores.
Visiting Praia da Luz is a superb possibility if you wish to expertise attractive seashores outdoors of Lagos and luxuriate in a distinct, extra resort-like environment than the seashores in Lagos. It’s simple to succeed in on public transport and isn’t a secluded seashore – good for a straightforward day journey.
5. Parque Aventura
Parque Aventura is Portuguese for ‘Journey Park’, which ought to converse for itself. Parque Aventura is the place to go for an adrenaline rush and enjoyable challenges in Lagos. The park has an in depth excessive ropes course that takes you thru the tree tops. Whereas in case you choose to maintain your ft on the bottom, you may take a look at your talent with a paintball recreation on the park’s paintball discipline.
We propose heading to Parque Aventura later within the afternoon when temperatures are not sky excessive. The park stays open till 6 pm on daily basis, so visiting out of noon warmth shouldn’t be difficult.
6. Spend a morning in Lagos Previous City
For that cobblestone streets expertise, you don’t must enterprise far in Lagos. Lagos Previous City is stuffed with cobbled streets and colourful buildings, and the historic middle is surrounded by previous metropolis partitions.
Spending a morning in Lagos Previous City is one of the simplest ways to stability time on its finest seashores. There are retailers, bakeries, and small pubs to take a seat al fresco with a pint of Sagres. It is usually an atmospheric place to attempt some conventional Portuguese delicacies too. If you’ll splash out on a meal, selecting a restaurant or cafe within the Previous City is a good suggestion. And, in case you are caught for alternative, the recent seafood is scrumptious.
7. Go to Mercado de Escravos
Mercado de Escravos is certainly one of Lagos’ most stunning buildings, but it additionally holds a few of Portugal’s darkest historical past. Mercado de Escravos was Europe’s first slave market, and the earliest dated slave market held there dates again to 1444.
The museum now educates guests on the slavery tragedy. It reveals the harrowing particulars of the market’s occasions by participating exhibitions. In case you are inquisitive about socio-political historical past or need to study extra about Portugal’s extra troubling historical past, Mercado de Escravos needs to be in your radar.
8. Praia dos Estudantes
Praia dos Estudantes is one other of Lagos’ finest seashores, and you must go to it even in case you are solely in Lagos for just a few days. The small seashore is famed for its distinctive bridges and tunnels, which guests use to entry completely different areas of the seashore. You’ll be able to swap between the northern and southern sections of the seashore by strolling by a pure tunnel within the cliff face. Whereas overhead, there may be an previous Roman bridge connecting the cliffs.
The structure of Praia dos Estudantes simply makes it one of the attention-grabbing seashores on the Algarve. That is the very best seashore for you if you’d like a memorable seashore day. Plus, it’s inside strolling distance of Lagos city middle.
9. Go kayaking to the ocean caves
You’ll be able to actually take a ship journey to see these magnificent caves, however the extra adventurous may be tempted by a kayaking journey. Exploring the ocean caves by kayak is a distinct expertise and definitely not for the fainthearted or unfit.
You’ll be able to hire a kayak and head out independently or go on a guided kayak tour – all of it depends upon your confidence. Both means, you’ll be capable to rise up shut with the attractive formations alongside the coast and see marine life of their pure habitat. You’ll be able to squeeze by tiny sea caves and tunnels that bigger boats can not match by, providing you with way more alternatives to discover. And, in case you get fortunate, a pod of dolphins would possibly pop up round you.
10. Praia do Vale de Centeanes
Praia do Vale de Centeanes is among the high seashores to take a day journey from Lagos. It takes round forty minutes to drive to and is best to go to you probably have a rental automobile, somewhat than catching a number of buses. So, why make the journey?
Visiting Praia do Vale de Centeanes is the very best on a windy day as a result of it’s backed by towering limestone cliffs. It’s a dramatic introduction to the Algarve’s attribute cliff-backed seashores. It is usually way more spacious than the small seashores round Lagos. For a heavenly seashore day, it’s properly price a day journey.
11. Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos
Household holidays could be troublesome, particularly on the subject of maintaining little kids entertained. The Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is totally tailor-made towards households – offering participating, child-friendly science reveals and actions. So in case you are touring with kids and need to preserve them entertained, Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is a enjoyable, dependable possibility.
The science museum is open from 10 am till 6 pm on daily basis aside from Mondays. It is a superb place to go to, escape the noon solar, or preserve busy if the climate is horrible. The museum additionally has indoor and outside reveals, making the expertise satisfying and various.
12. Meia Praia
Meia Praia is the most important seashore round Lagos and stretches over 4 km in size. On a busy day, visiting Meia Praia is a method to assure your self a sunbathing spot. Lagos will get so busy in summer season that Meia Praia turns into a little bit of an emergency possibility.
Meia Praia is conveniently positioned simply outdoors the Previous City and inside straightforward strolling distance of the city middle. Visiting Meia Praia is a good thought if you wish to squeeze a seashore day right into a busy day or simply be near many facilities.
13. Seven Hanging Valleys Path
For those who like staying energetic, strolling the Seven Hanging Valleys is among the finest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. The coastal path is a 5.7km out-and-back path that arguably covers essentially the most scenic part of the Algarve shoreline. The route begins at Praia da Marinha and ends at Praia de Vale Centeanes, taking round two to 3 hours to finish.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path passes gorgeous vistas, together with many sea caves and spectacular formations. You might hike it a technique, which might take about 2-3 hours, or stroll the trail as an out-and-back path in round six hours. The selection is yours.
14. Praia do Camilo
On the lookout for a secluded seashore? Praia do Camilo is the one for you. The small seashore is accessed by a picket staircase of over 200 steps – so put together your self for a exercise. Praia do Camilo is completely well worth the effort, although. The seashore has crystal-clear blue-green water and the Algarve’s attribute orange glow in its golden sand and cliffs.
Praia do Camilo additionally has a tunnel connecting two completely different sections of the seashore. You’ll be able to stroll by the pure tunnel and decide your favourite (or the least busy in case you’re visiting in peak season). Praia do Camilo is a enjoyable, fairly place to go to close to Lagos.
15. Go to Ponta da Bandeira Fort
Historical past lovers, this attraction is for you. Ponta da Bandeira is a Seventeenth-century fortress advanced that now runs as a museum and artwork exhibition venue. Ponta da Bandeira overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Praia de Batata Seashore and was as soon as a stronghold in opposition to enemies attacking the Algarve from the ocean.
Heading over the drawbridge, you’ll have sufficient exhibitions to maintain you entertained for no less than an hour or two. Ponta da Bandeira is among the finest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, to get a historic perception into the world.
16. Praia da Batata
So, you’ve visited Ponta da Bandeira. As we talked about above, the fort overlooks Praia da Batata, which is a ravishing seashore to go to close to Lagos. And, if topping up your tan below a Seventeenth-century fort sounds memorable, it’s price including to your itinerary. The sands are famously delicate and golden, and the waters are calm and excellent for swimming.
Visiting Ponta da Bandeira and Praia de Batata is a superb mixture. Begin your morning on the fort, after which head to the seashore to take pleasure in some afternoon solar.
17. Spend a day in Faro Metropolis
Lagos is stuffed with issues to do, however since you’ll in all probability journey to Faro for Faro Airport anyway, it’s price dedicating time to exploring Faro as properly. You might even plan a day in Faro earlier than you fly residence.
Faro is well essentially the most well-known metropolis on the Algarve. Actually, it’s thought of by many because the gateway to the area. Nevertheless, its metropolis middle is a good place to spend a few hours – which we extremely advocate doing. Stroll the Previous City to admire the cobbled streets and neoclassical structure. Then go to the key points of interest just like the Arco de Vila, Faro Cathedral, and the Municipal Museum.
When you’ve got not rented a automobile and need to discover Faro, this tour has you coated. Additionally, you will see different cool cities within the Algarve like Olhão, Tavira, and Cacela Velha.
18. Tour inside Igreja de Santo Antonio
Igreja de Santo is an ornate Catholic Church with Baroque structure and loads of historical past behind it. The church is positioned contained in the Previous City and is well added to a morning within the city middle. Igreja de Santo is believed to be the birthing place of Saint Anthony of Lisbon – which means it holds nice non secular significance, particularly amongst the residents of Lagos.
The church inside is attractive, and you’ll stroll by, admiring the sculptures and no-expense-spared decorations. There’s additionally a small museum, which comprises reveals and extra details about the church and Saint Anthony of Lisbon. Permit an hour or two to expertise Igreja de Santo totally.
Lagos FAQs
Now that we’ve coated the very best issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, let’s take a look at some widespread FAQs.
get to Lagos
Lagos is positioned in Southern Portugal on the Algarve shoreline. The best method to attain Lagos is to fly into Faro Airport after which catch public transport to Lagos. You’ll be able to take a shuttle bus straight from the airport or journey into Faro to catch the practice to Lagos. Permit round three hours for each choices.
Since Lagos sits on the Atlantic Ocean, there are a number of ferry routes in case you fancy an journey. You’re finest contemplating catching a ferry if you wish to ferry hop down the Portuguese coast.
As it is usually positioned in mainland Europe, you could possibly take a highway journey to Lagos from Spain, France, and even the UK in case you are feeling significantly adventurous. Driving throughout Europe is standard, and also you’ll simply have to be comfy adjusting to completely different driving types. Additionally, take into account that you’ll want a for much longer time-frame for this, and we’d advocate permitting no less than two weeks to highway journey to after which take pleasure in Lagos comfortably.
Getting round Lagos
Lagos is a city and has every thing accessible inside strolling distance. A number of the most picturesque seashores within the area are only a brief stroll from Lagos city middle. Plus, there may be Lagos practice station the place you may catch a practice to close by spots on day journeys. You’ll be able to simply get round Lagos and its surrounding space with out driving a automobile. If you wish to keep native and are solely visiting for just a few days, we advise sticking to strolling and public transport.
After all, you could possibly rent a rental automobile if you’d like the liberty to discover additional afield. You’ll be capable to head up the shoreline and even out to the Valley of Guadiana Pure Park. If so, it’s possible you’ll want to e-book a rental automobile to select up from Faro Airport so as to drive to Lagos as a substitute of catching public transport.
Finest time to go to Lagos
One of the best time to go to Lagos is in its shoulder seasons – early fall or late spring. The trick is to keep away from the crowds however nonetheless get good climate. In spite of everything, why not take advantage of Lagos’ stunning seashores?
Might and June are the very best months to go to Lagos in spring, whereas September and early October are the very best months in fall. Nonetheless, struggling to resolve? The environment tends to be barely higher in spring when native tourism is excitedly warming up for the height season in summer season. It is usually often a bit breezier in spring, which is nice for outside actions.
The place to remain in Lagos
Final however not least, the place do you have to keep in Lagos? There are a great deal of high-quality choices to swimsuit all budgets, however these are our absolute favorites.
Finances resort: Previous Faculty Visitor Home
Lagos has hostels, however it’s higher to remain on the Previous Faculty Visitor Home for slightly additional. It’s the highest-rated budget-friendly possibility in Lagos, and every visitor will get a double or twin room. It additionally has a central location in Lagos city middle.
You’ll have a shared kitchen, free bikes, complimentary wi-fi, and even BBQ services. There’s additionally a paid airport shuttle to make your airport expertise extra stress-free.
Mid-range resort: Fazenda Viegas
Fazenda Viegas is a privately run resort somewhat than a big business lodging alternative. The advantage of that is that there are considerate touches like on-site wine tasting classes, a welcome drink, and incredible sporting services like a soccer pitch and volleyball courts.
Visitors can select to remain in an residence or villa, and if you aren’t swimming within the outside pool, you may head to the closest seashore – about 2km away.
Luxurious resort: Boavista Golf & Spa
If you would like luxurious, say no extra. Boavista Golf & Spa is a five-star property with all of the indulgent services you could possibly need. Visitors select between townhouses and villas, so neglect about cramped resort rooms or small residence complexes. There may be additionally a shared rooftop terrace, limitless leisure actions, and an indoor heated pool. Whereas for additional pampering, you may head to the spa to take pleasure in a sauna, steam room, scorching tub, and fitness center.
To Conclude
A visit to Lagos is among the finest seashore holidays you could possibly absorb Europe. Between the gorgeous landscapes and vibrant Portuguese tradition, there are such a lot of issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. We hope you get the possibility to expertise as lots of this stuff as doable.
When you’ve visited Lagos, you must discover the remainder of the Algarve area. There are numerous superb cities in Portugal, plus the Douro Valley and Obidos in case you journey additional up north. Belief us, you’ll want a return journey.
